Education

Sesame in the News

Article by Sharon Gray MPH, RD  As of January 1, 2023, Sesame is now required to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods, including dietary supplements. This has been the culmination of efforts for years among food allergy advocates. Sesame is now the country’s ninth major allergen, affecting approximately 1.6 million people (about the population […]

AED & CPR Training for UConn Extension Volunteers in New London County

Recognizing the need to improve emergency preparedness among UConn Extension volunteers, the New London County Agricultural Extension Council, Inc. sponsored an AED & CPR training for 15 participants on March 22, 2023. This training was open to UConn Extension Master Gardeners and Composters, 4-H volunteers, and Extension Council members in New London County. Instructors from […]

UConn Extension Internship Application Deadline Extended

The application deadline for our summer internships has been extended to March 26th.  Get paid while learning and working in a career-oriented role. We offer internships in the following disciplines: Food Health Nutrition Sustainability Research Agribusiness Youth Education Community Development Marketing Click here to view internship descriptions. Most of these roles are for an average […]

From This Land: Honoring Native Foods of Winter

Along with Narragansett artist, farmer and educator, Dawn M. Spears, Put Local On Your Tray is pleased to announce a new campaign series called, “From This Land: Honoring Native Foods.” The first installment of the series looks at native foods of winter, including maple syrup! You can find more information about artist Dawn M. Spears, […]

Highlights of Extension

Our 2022 Highlights of Extension report shows how UConn Extension continues innovating to meet audiences and partners around the issues identified in the strategic initiatives set forth by the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Youth programs, water quality, and geospatial education are all part of the sustainable landscapes and climate portfolios and […]

Why Support Extension During UConn Gives

It’s UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative that brings UConn Nation together to support and celebrate what they care about at UConn. We are asking you to support our Extension programs during this event. Matt Syrotiak and Stacey Stearns share information about the 4-H and Master Gardener programs, and why your support of $5 can […]

Support Extension During UConn Gives

Extension program participants everywhere know that we are committed to providing an exceptional experience. During UConn Gives, a 36-hour giving initiative on March 8-9, program participants, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide come together to give back and celebrate what they care about at UConn Extension. Please join us in supporting our Extension programs – $5 […]

Connecticut Saves Week

Connecticut Saves Week is February 27th through March 3rd, 2023! Each day includes a financial theme that Connecticut Saves will be promoting alongside America Saves. Monday, February 27: Saving Automatically, Tuesday, February 28: Saving for the Unexpected, Wednesday, March 1: Saving for Major Milestones, Thursday, March 2: Paying Down Debt is Saving Friday, March 3: […]

Celebrating George Washington Carver

As the first African American who attended Iowa State University, George Washington Carver earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. An expert in plant research and development, Dr. Carver was recruited to Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, by the Black Educator, Booker T. Washington. Some of Dr. Carver’s accomplishments include: 👉🏾Taught black farmers how to rotate […]

Seminarios Web para Trabajadores de la Industria de Invernaderos y Viveros Ornamentales – 2023

Le invitamos a atender a estos seminarios web (webinars) en español diseñados para trabajadores en invernaderos y viveros de producción de plantas ornamentales. El programa incluye ocho presentaciones/videos de 30 minutos cada una. Marzo 20: Saneamiento de superficies duras entre ciclos de cultivos en invernaderos que producen plantas ornamentales – Rosa Raudales Marzo 2: Control de malezas como […]

Black History Month Series: Faith

The theme for this week is Faith.   The Black church has been a foundation of faith and resistance, as well as a spiritual center, place of worship, cultural and social center. Churches and other faith organizations also provided a safe haven for enslaved people, such as: 👉🏾Physical safety 👉🏾Food and clothing 👉🏾Encouragement, hope and […]

Black History Month – Week 2

The theme for this week is Activism. Food activism can be seen in many aspects of African American History. 👉🏾When the Transatlantic Slave Trade started, captured Africans braided seeds and grains into their hair to bring their foods with them as a way of survival. Rice, okra, peanuts, benne, watermelon are some examples of seeds […]

Q&A with Dr. Mayra Rodríguez – Urban Community Forestry Educator

Dr. Mayra Rodríguez joined UConn Extension in August 2022 as our Urban Community Forestry educator. We sat down for a Q&A with her about her Extension program and interests. How did you get interested and involved in forestry? I’ve been told that my path to forestry is a bit unconventional, but I think this just […]

Recognizing Diane Gawronski, UConn Master Gardener, for Receiving Haddam Historical Society Award

We love sharing the accomplishments of Master Gardeners! Diane Gawronski, MG Middlesex Class of 2022, was honored this year with an award by the Haddam Historical Society. See their full post below: “This year the Haddam Historical Society acknowledged garden volunteer Dr. Diane Gawronski, DMD with the Founders’ Day Award. Diane has been responsible for […]

Eat Smart, Live Strong with Heather Peracchio

Registered Dietitian and Assistant Extension Educator Heather Peracchio delivered the USDA Eat Smart, Live Strong session on Tuesday December 13th at Butter Brook Senior and Disabled Housing in New Milford, CT.  Seniors learned about eating fruits and vegetables and moving more throughout the winter. Seniors taste-tested a delicious one pot minestrone soup and received a […]

Fall-Winter 2022-2023 Wrack Lines

The Fall-Winter 2022-2023 issue of Wrack Lines is filled with articles and images telling stories around the theme of “Looking Ahead: people and projects shaping the future.” The magazine leads with the first in what will be a series of articles about offshore wind development impacting Connecticut, followed by the inspiring story of how a dying forest was […]

Foundations of Shellfish Farming Training Course 2023

Registration: http://s.uconn.edu/shellfish  Cost: $300 Foundations of Shellfish Farming is a training course for new and prospective farmers and those who simply seek to learn more about aquaculture practices and techniques. Topics that will be covered include: how to establish and operate a shellfish business; leasing and permitting requirements; considerations for gear, vessels, and facilities, shellfish biology, aquaculture techniques and best practices, and risks […]

Give to Extension

Gifts to Extension support programs in all 169 cities and towns of Connecticut. Your contribution positively impacts the 4-H youth program, agriculture and food, climate, health, and sustainable landscapes. Support Extension today at s.uconn.edu/givetoextension   #GivingDay

8 Essential “Always” of Holiday Food Safety

Read the updated version of this article. Article by Indu Upadhyaya, Ph.D., Assistant Extension Educator, Food Safety Holiday gatherings bring families and friends together, to spread more joy and happiness. While the merriment begins around Thanksgiving and continues until the New Years’, the food during holiday buffets, the party trays, the turkey, and other delicacies […]

Programas y Servicios en Español

    ¿Sabía que la Extensión de UConn ofrece programas y servicios en español? Si tiene interés en la salud, nutrición, horticultura, manejo integrado de plagas, y el desarrollo personal y comunitario nuestros programas están disponibles para ayudarlo a aprender!   UConn EFNEP El Programa Ampliado de Educación en Alimentación y Nutrición (UConn EFNEP) ayuda […]

Spanish Produce Safety Training Videos

Produce Safety Training VideosAvailable in Spanish and English Attention Farmers: UConn Extension’s 2 farm worker training videos are available now in Spanish. These are to help you with training your Spanish speaking employees in produce safety practices. These resources will help make your employees follow proper food safety on farm and ensure a safe food production. The videos were […]

Husky Harvest Info Session- Regional Campus Food Pantry

  SNAP-Ed Food Security recently teamed up with United Way to offer a info session for Stamford campus students and Husky Harvest clients.  Husky Harvest is the name for the new regional campus food pantry program. Food insecurity is rising on many college campuses and Husky Harvest strives to provide students with resources while minimizing […]

Fall Updates from Extension

The changing seasons are a reliable time marker, and this fall, UConn Extension is experiencing our own transitions. It’s an exciting time as new educators join the team and continue implementing our statewide programs. Catch up on our latest updates: s.uconn.edu/fall-news

Keep Your Food Safe & Fresh: Simple Canning & Preservation Tips

Are you looking for a way to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer? Do you want to extend the shelf life of summer and fall foods from your garden?  The webinar hosted in late September is now available for viewing online! Follow the link below to the webinar recording, and follow along with the […]

Novice or veteran, fishermen value safety & survival training

Participants in Safety at Sea training practice boarding a life raft. Story and photos by Judy Benson Dan Russell and Abraham Powell are at opposite ends of their fishing careers. While both work from vessels docked in New London, Russell is a boat captain who’s been fishing for 50 years. Powell is brand new, having […]

Indigenous People’s Day

Indigenous People’s Day celebrates the cultures, histories, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples in the United States and across the world. It honors America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal nations that continue to thrive here today, recognizing their contributions and acknowledging their resilience and strength in the face of a centuries-long campaign of violence, […]

Nutrition Education in Action

Extension is out and about – and you may run into us at a local event. Our nutrition educators were at two events on Saturday, September 17th.   First, the public learned how “Healthy Eating can Boost Your Immune System” through two on-site classes and cooking demonstrations at the Danbury Farmers’ Market. Participants learned how […]

Online Environmental Courses Available

The Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) is the new home to a suite of online certificate trainings. The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) offers online certificate courses for new and existing land use officials charged with protecting our environment. DEEP asked CLEAR to host them to expand reach and […]

Home and Garden Center Launches New Website

The UConn Home & Garden Education Center has been posting weekly blogs on a variety of horticultural topics since 2009. Over the years, contributors have included UConn faculty, staff, students and even a few guest columnists, each providing their unique takes on what’s happening in their yards and gardens, the latest horticultural happenings, ways to […]

Adventures in Agriculture with Mashantucket Youth and 4-H

As a part of the symbiotic partnership between the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) and UConn Extension and supported by USDA NIFA’s Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP), tribal youth engage in outreach opportunities designed to educate students about the origin of food and fiber. Programming during summer 2022 included a series of STEM activity […]

10 Ways to Volunteer with UConn 4-H

No matter how much time you have, volunteering with UConn 4-H makes a difference by helping youth explore and discover the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. There are lots of ways to get involved! Please note, your volunteer experience and/or opportunities may be happening virtually or in-person. Contact UConn 4-H for more […]

Online Course Explores History of GMOs and More

UConn Extension is offering an online course, Let’s Talk GMOs: Creating Consistent Communication Messages. Participants are introduced to the basics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They will learn how to create consistent communication messages and manage dialogue processes about GMOs with various audiences. The asynchronous course is available on-demand; it has eight online modules with instructors […]

Help Wanted: Become a UConn 4-H Volunteer

UConn 4-H is Accepting Volunteer Applications UConn 4-H provides youth with life-changing experiences from flying rockets into space with NASA to organizing national conferences for other youth, and everything in between. These experiences are possible because of thousands of adult mentors and volunteers who work throughout the state and guide youth to reach their potential. […]

ConnCAP and SNAP-Ed/EFNEP

Article by Riley Courtney In July, Heather Peracchio, RDN and summer Extension intern Riley Courtney visited UConn’s Stamford campus for the purpose of providing nutrition and healthy eating education to teen members of the ConnCAP program. To start off, the two instructed the group on some principals of nutrition using the USDA’s MyPlate as a […]